To bring about a revolutionary change in the livestock sector, the present government has already launched a programme to train 2000 young boys as Artificial Insemination Assistants (AIAs) and 2000 women as Women Livestock Extension Workers (WLEWs). This was stated by the Punjab Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Malik Ahmad Ali Aulakh while speaking at the certificate award ceremony arranged by the Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) for the second batch of 200 Artificial Insemination Assistants (AIAs) and Women Livestock Workers Extension Workers (WLEWs) here on Monday. Punjab Secretary Livestock Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Vice Chancellor Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, PLDDB General Manager Dr. Naveed Niazi, Director General Livestock Extension Zahid Irfan and others were also present on this occasion. The Minister said that Pakistan ranks fourth in milk production in the world but despite having such huge potential our milk production is insufficient to meet the national requirement. He alleged that it was the result of inappropriate planning and lack of interest shown by the previous governments. The Punjab Livestock Workers said that already 572 young boys and women had already completed their training and started performing in the field thus not only earning their livelihood under self-employment but also contributing to national development. He hoped that this project would not only help develop the livestock sector along latest lines but also to achieve US 5 billion dollars export target. Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development Board (PLDDB) Chief Executive Officer Maj. Gen. (r) Muhammad Ali Khan speaking on this occasion said that first batch of the young men trained under this project was already giving results through their skills in the rural areas while certificates were being distributed amongst the second batch students today.
